Abstract
The present PhD-work deals with the issue of waste disposal for short-lived packaging based on biopolymers (biogenic packaging materials). Using a material flow oriented approach, it shows the influence of treatment and recovery or disposal processes for biopolymers on the Austrian Waste Management system. Not only the current situation is considered, but also possible future scenarios are discussed. The selection of the scenarios is based on the present waste management infrastructure established in Austria. The following disposal scenarios are part of this study: landfilling, composting and/or fermentation in connection with mechanical-biological treatment, material recycling and combustion (mono- and co-incineration) of packaging based on biopolymers. Thus, the analysis is primarily based on the (household) collection systems for "residual waste", "organic waste" and "lightweight packaging (yellow bag/yellow bin)", but also the unsystematic and uncontrolled entry in form of "littering" is considered. Beginning with the current modest volume of biopolymers on the packaging (waste) sector and the involvement of growth forecasts, the impacts of biopolymer packaging on Austrian’s Waste Management system will be described and evaluated. Using this approach, the result is a differentiated end-of-life view that covers the present situation as well as future development. In conclusion, guidelines and recommendations regarding state-of-the-art treatment options for biopolymers packaging are elaborated.
Translated title of the contribution | Biopolymer Packaging - Analysis and Evaluation of Recovery Options from the Perspective of the Austrian Waste Management |
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Original language | German |
Qualification | Dr.mont. |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Bibliographical note
embargoed until nullKeywords
- Biopolymer
- Biobased
- Biodegradable
- Waste Management